The Dragons Are Coming

Get a team together and make a splash for Brave Futures!

Ipswich Waterfront will see the return of the Brave Futures Annual Dragon Boat Race, now in its 4^th year and taking place on Saturday 3^rd June.

Sponsored by Cory Brothers, the event which will raise funds for Brave Futures, a Suffolk-based charity providing a vital support service to child victims/survivors of sexual abuse in Suffolk and Norfolk.

The Dragon Boat Race is the ‘flagship’ event on the charity’s calendar, and sees dozens of paddlers racing along the marina in Ipswich in Chinese dragon boats. In each boat, 10 paddlers paddle to the rhythm set by their drummer, competing in short heats throughout the day.

The event is guaranteed to create some fire, with George Baker Shipping looking to defend their winning title against previous champions, Hudsons Group.

With a total of 35 boats racing, just five team spaces remain for businesses, sports groups and friends to take to the water in ornate 30’ Chinese dragon boats to compete in a series of heats culminating in a grand finale and winners’ presentation.

The teams will be encouraged to raise money for Brave Futures through sponsorship. All money raised will help the charity ensure that all children and young people who are victims and survivors of abuse can access support, and have a space where they feel safe and listened to.

Peter Wilson Managing Director at Cory Brothers and event sponsor said: “We are privileged to sponsor this fantastic event for this extremely worthy charity. The synergy between our logo and the Dragon Boat Race is such a great fit, we had to be involved. Our crews can’t wait for the big day and we hope to make this the best fundraiser yet.”

Each year, the dragon boat race takes place with the support and permission of Associated British Ports (ABP). Andrew Harston, Regional Director, Associated British Ports  explains: “ABP welcomes the return of the Dragon Boat race, which is such a popular event for the local community and an important fundraising initiative for a charity doing important work in the region.”

Sandra Lucas, Corporate and Events fundraiser of Brave Futures said “We are delighted to have received such an excellent response to our call for crews from organisations across the region. The Challenge promises some spectacular racing and a fantastic day out for all the teams. We will be joined by Ipswich Youth Steel Band who will be bringing the musical vibes, it will be a real family event, we hope you will join us.”

For further information and details of how to become a participating team, call Sandra on 01473 705111 or visit www.bravefutures.org